Fastener assembly and method of making the same

ABSTRACT

A fastener assembly includes a molded plastic fastener. The molded plastic fastener includes a filament, a paddle at one end of the filament, and a cross-bar at the other end of the filament. The fastener assembly additionally includes identifying matter, such as a logo, barcode or numerical value, which is provided onto the paddle of the plastic fastener. In one embodiment, the identifying matter is retained onto the paddle using a label. In another embodiment, the identifying matter is printed directly onto the paddle using an inkjet printer. In another embodiment, the identifying matter is formed directly into the shape of the paddle either through the molding process for the plastic fastener or through a subsequent stamping process.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part ofpresently-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/414,828, filedApril 16, 2003, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to plastic fasteners ofthe type used to attach merchandise tags to pieces of fabric.

[0003] Plastic fasteners of the type used to attach merchandise tags topieces of fabric, such as articles of clothing, product labels, and thelike, are well known in the art and widely used in the retail industry.Typically, such fasteners comprise an elongated plastic member having afirst end shaped to define a cross-bar (also commonly referred to as a“T-bar”), a second end shaped to define a paddle, and a thin filamentportion interconnecting the cross-bar and the paddle. As willbe-described further below, the cross-bar is adapted to be insertedfirst through a tag and then into a desired piece of fabric, with thepaddle being appropriately sized and shaped to keep the tag from beingpulled off the second end of the filament portion.

[0004] Plastic fasteners of the type described above are typicallymass-produced in either one of two different forms known as fastenerstock. A first type of fastener stock is a clip-type assembly, said clipcomprising a plurality of fasteners, each such fastener comprising aflexible filament having a cross-bar at one end thereof and a paddle atthe opposite end thereof. The fasteners are arranged in a spaced,side-by-side orientation, with the respective cross-bars parallel to oneanother and the respective paddles parallel to one another, each of thecross-bars being joined to a common, orthogonally-disposed runner bar bya severable connector. Adjacent paddles also may be interconnected byseverable connectors extending therebetween.

[0005] The aforementioned fastener clip is typically made through theprocess of injection molding. Several commercial embodiments of theabove-described fastener clip have been sold by the present assignee,Avery Dennison Corporation, as DENNISON® SWIFTACH® fastener clips.

[0006] A second type of fastener stock, which is shown in U.S. Pat. No.4,955,475, inventors McCarthy et al., issued Sep. 11, 1990 (which patentis incorporated herein by reference), comprises a plurality of fastenersarranged in an end-to-end alignment, the paddles and T-bars ofsuccessive fasteners being joined together by severable connectors so asto form a supply of continuously connected fastener stock.

[0007] The second type of fastener stock is commonly manufacturedthrough a process which is referred to as continuous molding. An exampleof continuously connected fastener stock which is manufactured using aprocess of continuous molding is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,462,784,inventor Russell, issued Jul. 31, 1984 (which patent is incorporatedherein by reference). In said patent, the continuously connectedfastener stock is made by a rotary extrusion process that involves theuse of a rotating molding wheel whose periphery is provided with moldingcavities that are complementary in shape to the molded fastener stock.To form the fastener stock, molten plastic is extruded into the cavitiesof the molding wheel with a layer of controlled film overlying theperipheral impression. The molten plastic is then allowed to solidify. Aknife in substantially elliptical contact with the peripheral impressionis then used to skive excess plastic from the rotating molding wheel(i.e., the layer of controlled film), leaving plastic only in themolding cavities. After the skiving process, the continuously connectedfastener stock is removed, in-line, from the cavities in the moldingwheel. Transfer rolls advance the fastener stock typically to astretching station where selected portions of the fastener stock areselectively distended (e.g., using diverging sprocket wheels). After thestretching process, the fastener stock is collected onto a windup rollfor packaging.

[0008] Typically, the practice of at least partially separating anindividual plastic fastener from a supply of fastener stock and, inturn, inserting the individual plastic fastener through a tag and into apiece of fabric is achieved using a hand-held apparatus commonlyreferred to as a tagger gun. Examples of tagger guns are disclosed inthe following U.S. Patents, both of which are incorporated herein byreference: U.S. Pat. No. 4,955,475, inventors McCarthy et al., whichissued Sep. 11, 1990; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,288,017, inventor Russell,which issued Sep. 8, 1981.

[0009] Tagger guns typically comprise a hollow needle, the needletypically including a stem portion. The stem portion typically isgenerally cylindrical in shape and has a longitudinally-extending,cylindrically-shaped bore adapted to receive the cross-bar of afastener. In addition, said stem portion typically has alongitudinally-extending slot adapted to permit the filament portion ofa fastener to extend therethrough while the cross-bar of the fastener isdisposed in the longitudinal bore of the stem portion. The stem portionalso typically has a sharpened tip adapted for insertion into a desiredarticle of commerce. The needle may also include a base portion, saidbase portion being attached to the rear of the stem portion and beingadapted to be removably received in the tool. The stem portion and thebase portion may be a unitary structure or, as is more often the case,the base portion is insert-molded onto the rear end of the stem portion.

[0010] Tagger guns also typically comprise an ejector rod for ejectingthe cross-bar through the needle and into the article of commerce, aknife or similar severing means for cutting the severable connectorbetween the cross-bar being dispensed and its adjacent cross-bar andfeeding means for advancing the assembly of fasteners in the tool so asto align the forwardmost cross-bar with the bore of the hollow needle.

[0011] The practice of using a tagger gun to secure a tag to a piece offabric is typically accomplished in the following manner. The supply offastener stock is loaded into the tagger gun. The sharpened tip of theneedle of the tagger gun is then disposed through the desired tag andinto the piece of fabric. The ejector rod is then activated, such asthrough the compression of a trigger, which, in turn, ejects thecross-bar first through the tag and then through the desired piece offabric, thereby disposing the cross-bar and the paddle on opposite sidesof the desired piece of fabric with the tag slidably disposed onto thefilament of the fastener. As noted above, the paddle is appropriatelysized and shaped to keep the tag from being pulled off the filamentportion of the fastener.

[0012] Although well-known and widely used in commerce, plasticfasteners of the type described above provide few deterrents tounscrupulous consumers who engage in the act of ticket-switching.Specifically, it has been found that unscrupulous consumers oftenattempt to replace the merchandise tag associated with a product with amerchandise tag associated with another, less expensive, product. Theseconsumers may accomplish this act of ticket-switching by severing theplastic fastener, removing the severed plastic fastener and merchandisetag from the product, and then securing a less expensive merchandise tagonto the product using a similarly constructed plastic fastener. As canbe appreciated, because conventional plastic fasteners are provided withno identification and/or authentication means, security officials areunable to readily ascertain whether an original plastic fastener hasbeen replaced with a similar plastic fastener as part of aticket-switching act, which is highly undesirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved fastener assembly of the type used to attach a tag to aproduct.

[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide afastener assembly of the type described above which preferably can bemass-produced into a continuously connected supply of fastener stock andwhich preferably can be dispensed using conventional tagger guns.

[0015] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide afastener assembly as described above which effectively deters againstthe act of ticket-switching.

[0016] It is yet still another object of the present invention toprovide a fastener assembly as described above which has a limitednumber of parts, which is inexpensive to manufacture and which is easyto use.

[0017] Therefore, there is provided a fastener assembly comprising aplastic fastener comprising, a filament, a paddle at one end of saidfilament, and a cross-bar at the other end of said filament, andidentifying matter provided onto the paddle of said plastic fastener.

[0018] Various other features and advantages will appear from thedescription to follow. In the description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and in which is shownby way of illustration, various embodiments for practicing theinvention. The embodiments will be described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structuralchanges may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.The following detailed description is therefore, not to be taken in alimiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best definedby the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In the drawings wherein like reference numerals represent likeparts:

[0020]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of afastener assembly constructed according to the teachings of the presentinvention;

[0021]FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the fastener assembly shown in FIG.1;

[0022]FIG. 3 is a fragmentary section view of the fastener assemblyshown in FIG. 2, taken along lines 3-3;

[0023]FIG. 4 is a fragmentary top plan view of a plurality of thefastener assemblies shown in FIG. 1, said fastener assemblies beinginterconnected to form a quantity of continuously connected fastenerstock constructed according to the teachings of the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 5 is schematic representation, broken away in part, of asystem for constructing the quantity of continuously connected fastenerstock shown in FIG. 4, said system being constructed according to theteachings of the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 6 is a fragmentary section view of a second embodiment of afastener assembly constructed according to the teachings of the presentinvention;

[0026]FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a system for constructingthe fastener assembly shown in FIG. 6;

[0027]FIG. 8 is a fragmentary section view of a third embodiment of afastener assembly constructed according to the teachings of the presentinvention;

[0028]FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a fourth embodiment of afastener assembly constructed according to the teachings of the presentinvention;

[0029]FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a fifth embodiment of afastener assembly constructed according to the teachings of the presentinvention;

[0030]FIG. 11 is a fragmentary top plan view of a sixth embodiment of afastener assembly constructed according to the teachings of the presentinvention, a plurality of said fastener assemblies being interconnectedto form a quantity of continuously connected fastener stock;

[0031]FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a seventh embodiment of afastener assembly constructed according to the teachings of the presentinvention;

[0032]FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of an eighth embodiment of afastener assembly constructed according to the teachings of the presentinvention; and

[0033]FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a ninth embodiment of afastener assembly constructed according to the teachings of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a first embodimentof a fastener assembly constructed according to the teachings of thepresent invention and identified generally by reference numeral 11. Aswill be described further below, fastener assembly 11 can be used toattach a merchandise tag, or ticket, to a piece of fabric.

[0035] Fastener assembly 11 comprises a fastener 13 and a label 15secured to fastener 13.

[0036] Fastener 13 is an elongated unitary plastic member having a firstend which is shaped to define a cross-bar 17, a second end which isshaped to define a paddle 19, and a thin filament 21 which interconnectscross-bar 17 and paddle 19.

[0037] Cross-bar 17 has a generally D-shaped lateral cross-section, ascan be seen most clearly in FIG. 1, cross-bar 17 comprising a flatbottom surface 23 and a rounded top surface 25. As such, cross-bar 17 isappropriately sized and shaped to be inserted through a tag and into apiece of fabric, preferably through the hollow slotted needle of aconventional tagging gun.

[0038] Paddle 19 is in the form of a thin rectangular member which isappropriately sized and shaped to prevent a tag which is slidablymounted on filament 21 from being removed thereover. As seen mostclearly in FIG. 3, paddle 19 includes a substantially flat top surface27 and a substantially flat bottom surface 29.

[0039] Label 15 is conventional in construction and includes a substratelayer 31 which is preferably in the form of a thin, rectangular piece ofpaper, or other suitable material, substrate layer 31 comprising asubstantially flat bottom surface 33 and a substantially flat topsurface 35. An image layer 37 is preferably printed onto top surface 35of substrate layer 31, for example, using a color ink jet printer. Imagelayer 37 preferably displays a particular product identifier, ormarking, 39. Identifier 39 is represented in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 as beingin the form of the word “MARK”. However, it is to be understood thatidentifier 39 is not limited to the word “MARK”. Rather, identifier 39is meant to represent any conceivable marking which identifies aparticular product or source thereof without departing from the spiritof the present invention. Examples of some potential product identifiers39 include, inter alia, a company name, a product name, a logo and/or aproduct barcode.

[0040] A pressure-sensitive adhesive 41 is preferably formed onto bottomsurface 33 of substrate layer 31 and serves to secure label 15 onto topsurface 27 of paddle 19. It should be noted that an individual label 15may be adhered onto an associated paddle 19 using a pressure-sensitivelabel applicator, as will be described further in detail below.

[0041] The visibility of label 15 on fastener 13 provides fastenerassembly 11 with a couple notable advantages over conventional fastenerswhich do not include a label.

[0042] As a first advantage, displaying label 15 on fastener 13 can beused to further authenticate the source of the article to which fastenerassembly 11 is attached, thereby deterring counterfeiting, which ishighly desirable.

[0043] As a second advantage, displaying label 15 on fastener 13 can beused to increase the recognition of the manufacturer name, product name,and/or company logo present on image layer 37, thereby increasingproduct marketability, which is highly desirable.

[0044] As a third advantage, displaying label 15 on fastener 13 can beused to identify and authenticate fastener assembly 11, thereby servingas greater deterrent against the act of ticket-switching, which ishighly desirable.

[0045] As can be readily appreciated, fastener assembly 11 may be moldedas part of a quantity of either continuously connected fastener stock orfastener stock of the type having an orthogonally disposed runner bar.

[0046] Fastener assembly 11 is preferably molded as part of a quantityof continuously connected fastener stock 43 which is shown in detail inFIG. 4. Specifically, fastener stock 43 comprises a plurality ofindividual fastener assemblies 11 which are arranged in an end-to-endalignment. Paddles 19 of successive fastener assemblies 11 are joinedtogether by a pair of spaced apart severable connectors 45. Similarly,T-bars 17 of successive fastener assemblies 11 are joined together by aseverable connector 47. In this manner, the plurality of fastenerassemblies 11 are joined together to form the continuously connectedfastener stock 43.

[0047] Fastener stock 43 further includes a molding strip 49, the paddle19 of each fastener assembly 11 being connected to molding strip 49 by aseverable connector 51. It should be noted that molding strip 49 ispreferably separated from the remainder of fastener stock 43 afterfabrication (i.e., after application of label 15 onto fastener 13) butprior to use.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 5, fastener stock 43 is preferablymanufactured using a system 53 constructed according to the teachings ofthe present invention. System 53 is a continuous in-line system whichincludes an apparatus 55 for molding a continuous strip of fasteners 13,a device 57 for stretching the continuous strip of fasteners 13 producedby apparatus 47, a pressure-sensitive labeling device 59 for applying anindividual label 15 onto the paddle 19 of each fastener 13 in thecontinuous strip so as to yield fastener stock 43, and an apparatus 61for winding fastener stock 43 into a roll suitable for storage andtransport.

[0049] Apparatus 55 is conventional in construction and is preferably ofthe type described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,461,738 to D. B. Russell, whichpatent is incorporated herein by reference. Specifically, apparatus 55includes an extruder 63, a manifold assembly 65, a manifold mount 67, arotatable molding wheel 69, a skiving knife and hold-down assembly 71, atake-off roll 73 and transfer rolls 75. It should be noted that theouter periphery of rotatable molding wheel 69 is provided withinterconnected molding cavities 77 that are complementary in shape to amolded clip of fasteners 13.

[0050] In use, apparatus 55 functions in the following manner to producea continuous strip of fasteners 13. Specifically, as wheel 69 rotates inthe direction represented by arrow 79 in FIG. 5, extruder 63 extrudesmolten plastic into cavities 77 with a layer of controlled filmoverlying the peripheral impression of wheel 69. The molten plasticdeposited into cavities 77 is then allowed to solidify. Once the moltenplastic solidifies, skiving knife and hold-down assembly 71, which is insubstantially elliptical contact with the peripheral surface of wheel69, is then used to skive excess plastic from rotating wheel 69, therebyleaving plastic only within cavities 77. After the skiving process,take-off roll 73 removes the continuously connected clip of fasteners 13from within cavities 77 of rotating wheel 69. Transfer rolls 75, inturn, advance in-line the continuously connected clip of fasteners 13 todevice 57.

[0051] Device 57 is preferably in the form of a pair of divergingsprocket wheels and serves to distend selective portions of thecontinuously connected clip of fasteners 13. For example, the filament21 of each fastener 13 is preferably stretched to increase its strengthand flexibility.

[0052] After completion of the stretching process, the continuouslyconnected clip of fasteners 13 is transported in-line from device 57 tolabeling device 59. Labeling device 59 is preferably a model Q60 highspeed in-line label applicator of the type manufactured by Quadrel, Inc.of Mentor, Ohio. Labeling device 59 is provided with a stock supply oflabels 15, the stock supply of labels 15 preferably being in the form ofa continuous backing strip with labels 15 disposed thereon in aside-by-side relationship.

[0053] Labeling device 59 receives in-line the continuously connectedclip of fasteners 13 from stretching device 57, orientates said clip andapplies an individual label 15 from the stock supply onto top surface 27of each paddle 19. As can be appreciated, the pressure created by device59 in applying each label 15 onto its associated paddle 19 causespressure-sensitive adhesive 41 to adhere bottom surface 33 of substratelayer 31 onto top surface 27 of its corresponding paddle 19. In thismanner, continuously connected clip 43 of fastener assemblies 11 iscreated.

[0054] Continuously connected clip 43 is fed in-line from labelingdevice 59 to apparatus 61. Apparatus 61 is preferably in the form of awindup roll which continuously rotates in the direction represented byarrow 81 in FIG. 5 so as to wrap a length of clip 43 into a rollsuitable for packaging.

[0055] Although fastener assembly 11 is represented herein as comprisinga label 15 secured onto top surface 27 of paddle 19 of a correspondingfastener 13 using a pressure-sensitive adhesive 41, it is to beunderstood that fastener assembly 11 is not limited to label 15 beingsecured to top surface 27 of a corresponding fastener 13 using apressure-sensitive adhesive 41. Rather, it is to be understood thatlabel 15 may be secured to any portion of an individual fastener 13 byany means without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0056] As an example, referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a secondembodiment of a fastener assembly constructed according to the teachingsof the present invention and identified generally by reference numeral111. Fastener assembly 111 is similar to fastener assembly 11 in thatfastener assembly 111 comprises a fastener 113 and a label 115 securedto fastener 113. Fastener assembly 111 differs from fastener assembly 11in that fastener 113 is insert molded, or in-molded, around at least aportion of label 115, whereas label 15 is secured onto a surface offastener 13 using a pressure-sensitive adhesive 41.

[0057] Specifically, label 115 comprises a substrate layer 131 whichincludes a substantially flat bottom surface 133 and a substantiallyflat top surface 135. An image layer 137 is preferably printed onto topsurface 135 of substrate layer 131. During the manufacture of fastenerassembly 111, which will be described further in detail below, paddle119 is insert molded at least partially around label 115 in such amanner that image layer 137 lies substantially flush with top surface127 of paddle 119, as seen clearly in FIG. 6. As can be appreciated, thesolidification of the molten plastic used to form fastener 113 serves topermanently retain label 115 on paddle 119.

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 7, a clip of interconnected fastenerassemblies 111 is preferably manufactured using a system 153 constructedaccording to the teachings of the present invention. System 153 issimilar in construction to system 53 in that system 153 is a continuousin-line system which includes a molding apparatus 155, a stretchingdevice 57 and a winding apparatus 61. In one respect, system 153 differsfrom system 53 in that system 153 does not include a pressure-sensitivelabeling device.

[0059] Molding apparatus 155 is similar in construction to apparatus 55in that apparatus 155 comprises an extruder 63, a manifold assembly 65,a manifold mount 67, a rotatable molding wheel 69, a skiving knife andhold-down assembly 71, a take-off roll 73 and transfer rolls 75. Moldingapparatus 155 differs from apparatus 55 in that molding apparatus 155comprises a label depositing device 176 disposed along the peripheralsurface of wheel 69 between take-off roll 73 and manifold mount 67. Aswill be described further below, device 176 can be used to depositlabels 115 into cavities 77 of wheel 69 and is preferably in the form ofa movable robot arm.

[0060] Molding apparatus 155 operates in the following manner to createa clip of continuously connected fastener assemblies 111. Specifically,as wheel 69 rotates in the direction of arrow 79, label depositingdevice 176 inserts a label 115 into each cavity 77 which is disposeddirectly therebeneath. With labels 115 positioned within associatedcavities 77, extruder 63 then extrudes molten plastic into cavities 77with a layer of controlled film overlying the peripheral impression ofwheel 69. The molten plastic deposited into cavities 77 is then allowedto solidify. It should be noted that once the molten plastic solidifies,each label 115 is at least partially retained within a correspondingpaddle 119. Skiving knife and hold-down assembly 71, which is insubstantially elliptical contact with the peripheral surface of wheel69, is then used to skive excess plastic from rotating wheel 69, therebyleaving plastic only within cavities 77. After the skiving process,take-off roll 73 removes the continuously connected clip, or fastenerstock, of fastener assemblies 111 from within cavities 77 of rotatingwheel 69. Transfer rolls 75 advance in-line the continuously connectedclip of fastener assemblies 111 to device 57 where said clip isstretched. After completion of the stretching process, the stretchedclip is transported in-line to apparatus 61 where said clip is wound-upinto a roll suitable for packaging.

[0061] It should be noted that an insert molding process can be used tomanufacture modifications of fastener assembly 111. For example,referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a third embodiment of a fastenerassembly constructed according to the teachings of the present inventionand identified generally by reference numeral 211. Fastener assembly 211is similar to fastener assembly 111 in that fastener assembly 211comprises a label 115 around which is molded a paddle 219 of a fastener213.

[0062] Fastener assembly 211 differs from fastener assembly 111 in thatpaddle 219 of fastener 213 is molded entirely around label 115 withimage layer 137 being spaced in from top surface 227 of paddle 219 andsubstrate layer 115 being spaced in from bottom surface 229 of paddle219. As can be appreciated, fastener 213 is preferably manufactured outof a clear plastic material to enable image layer 137 to be readilyviewable through paddle 219.

[0063] As noted in detail above, the application of label 15 ontoplastic fastener 13 serves as, inter alia, an effective deterrentagainst product counterfeiting, an opportunity for increased product andcompany marketability, and a considerable obstacle to the act ofticket-switching. However, it is to be understood that the presentinvention is not limited to the application of label 15 onto plasticfastener 13 in order to provide paddle 19 with uniquely identifiedindicia (e.g., a logo, company name, etc.). Rather, it is to beunderstood that fastener assembly 11 represents any conceivable meansfor providing uniquely identifying matter onto a plastic fastener 13without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0064] In fact, instead of applying identifying matter onto label 15which, in turn, is secured onto paddle 19 of fastener 13, it is to beunderstood that identifying matter could, in the alternative, bedirectly printed onto paddle 19. Specifically, upon completion of themolding process for fastener stock 43, a printer head (e.g., an inkjetprinter head) may be used to directly print uniquely identifying matteronto paddle 19 of fastener 13 without departing from the spirit of thepresent invention.

[0065] As an example, referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown a fourthembodiment of a fastener assembly constructed according to the teachingsof the present invention and identified generally by reference numeral311. Fastener assembly 311 is similar to fastener assembly 11 in thatfastener assembly 311 comprises fastener 13. Fastener assembly 311differs from fastener assembly 11 in that uniquely identifying matter isdirectly printed onto paddle 13. Specifically, a particular company orproduct identifier, or marking, 313 is printed directly onto paddle 13.Marking 313 is represented herein as being in the form of the word“MARK”. However, it is to be understood that identifier is not limitedto being in the form of the word “MARK”. Rather, it is to be understoodthat marking 313 is meant to represent any conceivable marking whichidentifies a particular product (e.g., a logo) or a company thatmanufacturers and/or distributes said product without departing from thespirit of the present invention. As can be appreciated, printing marking313 onto paddle 19 of fastener 13 enables fastener assembly 311 to serveas both an effective deterrent against product counterfeiting and anopportunity to increase the exposure, visibility and marketability of aproduct and/or company, which is highly desirable.

[0066] As another example, referring to FIG. 10, there is shown a fifthembodiment of a fastener assembly constructed according to the teachingsof the present invention and identified generally by reference numeral411. Fastener assembly 411 is similar to fastener assembly 11 in thatfastener assembly 411 comprises fastener 13. Fastener assembly 411differs from fastener assembly 11 in that uniquely identifying matter isdirectly printed onto paddle 13. Specifically, a barcode 413 is printeddirectly onto paddle 13. It should be noted that barcode 413 preferablycontains information relating to the particular product to which it issecured. As such, if barcode 413 contains information relating to theprice of the product to which it is secured, fastener assembly 411 wouldeffectively eliminate the need for a merchandise tag, thereby enablingsaid product to be displayed in a more aesthetically pleasing manner,which is highly desirable. Furthermore, if barcode 413 containsinventory, serial and/or lot control information relating to the productto which it is secured, fastener assembly 411 would serve as aconsiderably effective means for deterring product counterfeiting andticket-switching, which is highly desirable.

[0067] As another example, referring to FIG. 11, there is shown a sixthembodiment of a fastener assembly constructed according to the teachingsof the present invention and identified generally by reference numeral511. Fastener assembly 511 is represented as being molded as part of aquantity of continuously connected fastener stock 543. Fastener assembly511 is similar to fastener assembly 11 in that fastener assembly 511comprises fastener 13. Fastener assembly 511 differs from fastenerassembly 11 in that uniquely identifying matter is directly printed ontopaddle 13. Specifically, a sequential identifier 513 (e.g., a numericalvalue) is printed directly onto paddle 13. It should be noted that eachsuccessive paddle 13 of fastener stock 543 is provided with acorresponding successive sequential identifier 513. As can beappreciated, by sequentially identifying each successive fastener 13 infastener stock 543, fastener stock 543 can be used to provide inventory,serial and/or lot control information relating to the products to whichthey are secured. In this manner, fastener assembly 511 would serve as aconsiderably effective means for deterring product counterfeiting andthe act of ticket-switching, which is highly desirable.

[0068] It should also be noted that, instead of applying identifyingmatter onto a label 15 which, in turn, is secured onto paddle 19 offastener 13, it is to be understood that fastener 13 could beconstructed such that paddle 19 displays said uniquely identifyingmatter without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0069] As an example, referring now to FIG. 12, there is shown a seventhembodiment of a fastener assembly constructed according to the teachingsof the present invention and identified generally by reference numeral611. Fastener assembly 611 is similar to fastener assembly 11 in thatfastener assembly 611 comprises a fastener 613 which is similar inconstruction to fastener 13. Fastener assembly 611 differs from fastenerassembly 11 only in that paddle 619 of plastic fastener 613 is differentin shape from paddle 19 of fastener 13. Specifically, during its moldingprocess, paddle 619 is shaped to include uniquely identifying matter615, said identifying matter 615 being slightly raised from theremainder of paddle 619 for increased visibility. Identifying matter 615is represented herein as being in the form of a logo which identifiesthe product to which fastener assembly 611 is secured or a company thatmanufacturers and/or distributes said product. As can be appreciated,identifying matter 615 on paddle 619 enables fastener assembly 611 toserve as both an effective deterrent against product counterfeiting andan opportunity to increase the exposure, visibility and marketability ofa product and/or company, which is highly desirable.

[0070] As another example, referring now to FIG. 13, there is shown aneighth embodiment of a fastener assembly constructed according to theteachings of the present invention and identified generally by referencenumeral 711. Fastener assembly 711 is similar to fastener assembly 11 inthat fastener assembly 711 comprises a fastener 713 which is similar inconstruction to fastener 13. Fastener assembly 711 differs from fastenerassembly 11 only in that paddle 719 of plastic fastener 713 is differentin shape from paddle 19 of fastener 13. Specifically, during its moldingprocess, the entire paddle 719 is formed into the shape of uniquelyidentifying matter. In the present embodiment, paddle 719 is formed intothe shape of a particular logo which identifies the product to whichfastener assembly 711 is secured or a company that manufacturers and/ordistributes said product. In an optional manufacturing step, paddle 719may be stamped so as to define one or more cut-outs 721 therewithin inorder to more accurately depict a particular logo. As can beappreciated, shaping paddle 719 in the form of uniquely identifyingmatter (e.g., a logo) enables fastener assembly 711 to serve as both aneffective deterrent against product counterfeiting and an opportunity toincrease the exposure, visibility and marketability of a product and/orcompany, which is highly desirable.

[0071] As another example, referring now to FIG. 14, there is shown aninth embodiment of a fastener assembly constructed according to theteachings of the present invention and identified generally by referencenumeral 811. Fastener assembly 811 is similar to fastener assembly 11 inthat fastener assembly 811 comprises a fastener 813 which is similar inconstruction to fastener 13. Fastener assembly 811 differs from fastenerassembly 11 only in that paddle 819 of plastic fastener 813 is differentin shape from paddle 19 of fastener 13. Specifically, after the moldingprocess for fastener 813 has been completed, a subsequent stamping stepis performed to define one or more non-circular cut-outs 815 in paddle819. Together, cut-outs 815 serve to provide paddle 819 with uniquelyidentifying matter (e.g., a logo). As can be appreciated, the inclusionof cut-outs 815 so as to shape paddle 819 to display an identifyingmatter serves as both an effective deterrent against productcounterfeiting and an opportunity to increase the exposure, visibilityand marketability of a product and/or company, which is highlydesirable.

[0072] The embodiments shown in the present invention are intended to bemerely exemplary and those skilled in the art shall be able to makenumerous variations and modifications to it without departing from thespirit of the present invention. All such variations and modificationsare intended to be within the scope of the present invention as definedin the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fastener assembly comprising: (a) a plasticfastener comprising, (i) a filament, (ii) a paddle at one end of saidfilament, and (iii) a cross-bar at the other end of said filament, and(b) identifying matter provided onto the paddle of said plasticfastener.
 2. The fastener assembly of claim 1 wherein said identifyingmatter is in the form of a label.
 3. The fastener assembly of claim 2wherein said label includes an image layer which displays a marking. 4.The fastener assembly of claim 2 wherein said label is retained by thepaddle of said plastic fastener.
 5. The fastener assembly of claim 1wherein said identifying matter is printed onto the paddle of saidplastic fastener.
 6. The fastener assembly of claim 5 wherein saididentifying matter is in the form of a barcode.
 7. The fastener assemblyof claim 5 wherein said identifying matter is in the form of asequential identifier.
 8. The fastener assembly of claim 7 wherein saididentifying matter is in the form of a numerical identifier.
 9. Thefastener assembly of claim 5 wherein said identifying matter is in theform of a product identifier.
 10. The fastener assembly of claim 5wherein said identifying matter is in the form of a company identifier.11. The fastener assembly of claim 1 wherein said paddle is shaped todisplay said identifying matter.
 12. A fastener assembly comprising: (a)a label, and (b) a fastener adapted to display said label, said fastenercomprising, (i) a filament, (ii) a paddle at one end of said filament,and (iii) a cross-bar at the other end of said filament.
 13. Thefastener assembly as claimed in claim 12 wherein the paddle of saidfastener is adapted to display said label.
 14. The fastener assembly asclaimed in claim 12 wherein said label includes an image layer whichdisplays a marking.
 15. The fastener assembly as claimed in claim 12wherein said label is retained by the paddle of said fastener.
 16. Thefastener assembly as claimed in claim 12 wherein said label is securedto the paddle of said fastener using an adhesive.
 17. The fastenerassembly as claimed in claim 16 wherein said label is secured to thepaddle of said fastener using a pressure-sensitive adhesive.
 18. Thefastener assembly as claimed in claim 12 wherein the paddle of saidfastener is insert molded around at least a portion of said label. 19.The fastener assembly as claimed in claim 18 wherein the paddle of saidfastener is insert molded entirely around said label.
 20. A method ofmanufacturing a fastener assembly, said method comprising the steps of:(a) molding a plastic fastener which comprises a filament, a paddle atone end of said filament, and a cross-bar at the other end of saidfilament, and (b) applying a label onto the paddle of said plasticfastener.
 21. The method of claim 20 wherein said molding step isperformed using a continuous molding process.
 22. The method of claim 20wherein said applying step is performed using a pressure-sensitivelabeling device.
 23. A method of manufacturing one or more fastenerassemblies, each fastener assembly comprising a label and a fasteneradapted to display said label, each fastener comprising a filament, apaddle at one end of said filament, and a cross-bar at the other end ofsaid filament, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing one ormore labels, and (b) molding the paddle of a fastener at least partiallyaround each of said one or more labels.
 24. The method of claim 23wherein said molding step is performed using an insert molding process.25. A system for manufacturing one or more fastener assemblies, eachfastener assembly comprising a label and a fastener adapted to displaysaid label, each fastener comprising a filament, a paddle at one end ofsaid filament, and a cross-bar at the other end of said filament, saidsystem comprising: (a) a molding apparatus for molding one or more ofsaid fasteners, and (b) a labeling device for applying a label onto eachof said one or more of said fasteners.
 26. The system of claim 25wherein said system is a continuous in-line system.
 27. The system ofclaim 25 wherein said labeling device is a pressure-sensitive labelingdevice.
 28. A molding apparatus for manufacturing one or more fastenerassemblies, each fastener assembly comprising a label and a fasteneradapted to display said label, each fastener comprising a filament, apaddle at one end of said filament, and a cross-bar at the other end ofsaid filament, said molding apparatus comprising: (a) a rotatablemolding wheel having cavities in a peripheral surface thereof, (b) alabel depositing device for inserting a label into selective cavities insaid rotatable molding wheel, (c) a manifold for applying molten plasticmaterial into the cavities in said rotatable molding wheel such that alayer of controlled film overlies said cavities, and (d) a knife forskiving the layer of controlled film overlying said cavities.
 29. Amethod of manufacturing a fastener assembly, said method comprising thesteps of: (a) molding a plastic fastener which comprises a filament, apaddle at one end of said filament, and a cross-bar at the other end ofsaid filament, and (b) printing identifying matter onto the paddle ofsaid plastic fastener.
 30. The method of claim 29 wherein said printingstep is performed using an inkjet printer.
 31. The method of claim 29wherein said identifying matter is printed onto the paddle in the formof a barcode.
 32. The method of claim 29 wherein said identifying matteris printed onto the paddle in the form of a sequential identifier. 33.The method of claim 32 wherein said identifying matter is printed ontothe paddle in the form of a numerical identifier.
 34. The method ofclaim 29 wherein said identifying matter is printed onto the paddle inthe form of a product identifier.
 35. The method of claim 29 whereinsaid identifying matter is printed onto the paddle in the form of acompany identifier.
 36. A plastic fastener comprising: (a) a filament,(b) a paddle at one end of said filament, and (c) a cross-bar at theother end of said filament, (d) wherein at least a portion of saidpaddle is shaped in the form of identifying matter.
 37. The plasticfastener of claim 36 wherein said paddle is shaped to include at leastone cut-out for defining said identifying matter.
 38. The plasticfastener of claim 37 wherein said at least one cut-out is non-circularin shape.
 39. The plastic fastener of claim 36 wherein said identifyingmatter is in the form of a product identifier.
 40. The plastic fastenerof claim 36 wherein said identifying matter is in the form of a companyidentifier.
 41. A plastic fastener comprising: (a) a filament, (b) apaddle at one end of said filament, and (c) a cross-bar at the other endof said filament, (d) wherein said paddle is shaped to include at leastone cut-out which defines an identifying matter.
 42. The plasticfastener of claim 41 wherein said identifying matter is in the form of aproduct identifier.
 43. The plastic fastener of claim 42 wherein saididentifying matter is in the form of a company identifier.
 44. A methodof manufacturing a fastener assembly, said method comprising the stepsof: (a) molding a plastic fastener which comprises a filament, a paddleat one end of said filament, and a cross-bar at the other end of saidfilament, and (b) forming at least one cut-out in said paddle, said atleast one cut-out defining an identifying matter.
 45. The method ofclaim 44 wherein said forming step is performed using a stampingmachine.